Tag: City of Flagstaff

City of Flagstaff Water Conservation program wins 2023 WaterSense® Excellence Award

FLAGSTAFF — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has honored the City of Flagstaff with a WaterSense Excellence Award for the City’s work promoting WaterSense and water efficiency in 2022.  WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the EPA, is both a label for water-efficient products, programs, and homes and a resource for helping consumers learn about ways to save water.

Full closure of Columbus Avenue scheduled for Oct 12 and Oct. 20

FLAGSTAFF — As part of Phase II of the 2023 Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program, a full closure of Columbus Avenue between N Humphreys Street and N San Francisco Street is scheduled on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. to allow for asphalt work. Beaver Street south through Columbus Avenue will remain open with flaggers. Early warning message boards and detours will be established, however travelers should expect delays in the area.

City hosts Indigenous Peoples Day celebration event on Oct. 9

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. Titled “•REFLECTING •HONORING •RESILIENCE – Matriarchal Voice and Leadership” the event will feature presentations from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., as well as cultural shares through songs & dances. The event will take place at the Elks Lodge (2101 N San Francisco St.) A full schedule of the event will be posted on the City

City of Flagstaff — Update on City Road Repair and Street Safety Phase II

FLAGSTAFF — Phase II of the 2023 Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program is well underway as crews work to complete the work prior to winter. Crack sealing operations have been completed throughout the project area.

During the week of Oct. 2, work to replace damaged concrete will continue on Columbus Avenue and N Switzer Canyon Drive with lane shifts present. Asphalt work will also take place during the week of Oct. 2 on S Fremont Drive, W Mars Hill Road, S Babbitt Drive and N Switzer Canyon Drive.

City of Flagstaff announces scheduled lane closures on Lake Mary Road

FLAGSTAFF — Lane closures on Lake Mary Road and Anita Avenue are scheduled for Oct. 2 through Oct. 14. The closures will allow the installation of water lines across Lake Mary Road to the Home2 Suites and Tru by Hilton hotel development site at the corner of Lake Mary Road and High Country Trail.

The project will begin with the closure of the westbound lane of Anita Avenue, followed by the closure of the eastbound lane of Anita Avenue. Crews will then close the northbound lanes of Lake Mary Road, followed by the southbound lanes. Lane shifts will be in place to allow traffic to travel through the area. The work is expected to be completed on or before October 14th.

City of Flagstaff announces new public artwork honoring Cosmic Ray, Basque sheepherding history

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff announces the completion of its newest Beautification in Action grant project—a mural by local artist Joel Geist located at the Cosmic Ray Tunnel on the Sheep Crossing Trail.

Geist, of Red Frog Designs, was awarded the grant last spring to design and paint a mural in the newly renamed tunnel. Once a utilitarian underpass, the tunnel is now a vibrant space of creative expression that connects the Ponderosa Trails neighborhood and Fort Tuthill County Park beneath Interstate 17. It is part of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System. Geist’s artworks honor Flagstaff’s pioneering mountain biker and writer Cosmic Ray (Raymond J. Brutti) and the area’s Basque sheepherding history.

City of Flagstaff — Full nighttime closure of Cedar Avenue planned for Sept. 25 – Sept. 27, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the Spruce Wash Improvements Grandview Drive Reconstruction Project Utility Phase, crews will be installing sewer utilities across Cedar Avenue, necessitating a full nighttime closure of part of Cedar Avenue on Monday, Sept. 25 through Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. This work is being performed through the night to maintain the safety of the traveling public and construction crews, while allowing for the high-volume flow of daytime traffic along Cedar Avenue.

The following traffic impacts are expected:

City of Flagstaff Proclaims Sept, 15 through Oct. 15, 2023 as National Hispanic Heritage Month

“The City of Flagstaff observes, embraces, respects, and celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month also called “Yes de Herencia Hispana”, is celebrated nationwide from September 15th through October 15th each year to commemorate the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx peoples whose ancestors originated the Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico, and Spain. …”

City of Flagstaff announces minimum wage for 2024

FLAGSTAFF — The minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $17.40 and $15.90 for tipped workers beginning on Jan. 1, 2024.

In 2016 the voters of Flagstaff wrote and passed The Minimum Wage Act (“the Act”) as a citizens’ initiative (Proposition 414). The Act, which is codified in Title 15 of the Flagstaff City Code, prescribes that beginning in 2023, the Flagstaff minimum wage shall be increased annually by the increase in the cost of living. Pursuant to the Act, “[t]he increase in the cost of living shall be measured by the percentage increase as of August of the immediately preceding year over the level as of August of the previous year of the consumer price index (all urban consumers, U.S. city average for all items)” (15-01-001-0003(B)). The increase shall be rounded to the nearest $0.05. 

Prescribed burns planned within Flagstaff City limits this fall

FLAGSTAFF — Prescribed burns will be conducted by the Flagstaff Fire Department on City-owned parcels within City limits this fall. While exact dates of the prescribed burns are weather-specific and cannot be established far in advance, these prescribed burns are generally anticipated to take place from mid-September to mid-November. More information on locations and dates will be shared on flagstaff.az.gov as dates become available.

Residents and visitors can expect smoke to be present in the area of prescribed burns. Fire managers will coordinate with neighboring national forests, national parks, fire districts, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to monitor smoke impacts.

City of Flagstaff Neighborhood Sustainability Grants Open Sept. 1-30

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission is pleased to announce that the annual application period for the Neighborhood Sustainability Grants Program is open from September 1st – 30th. The program inspires projects that enhance sustainability and foster community partnerships.

City begins Schultz Creek Channel Stabilization Project

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is pleased to announce the groundbreaking of the Schultz Creek Channel Stabilization Project between Elden Lookout Road and Highway 180. This stream restoration project will stabilize and restore the Schultz Creek channel, which was severely degraded during the 2022 Pipeline Fire and subsequent flooding events.

Channel stabilization restores the stream bank and bed, preventing erosion from moving sediment and debris into the Rio de Flag and Frances Short Pond. Frances Short Pond received over 5,000 cubic yards of ash, sediment, and debris since the Pipeline Fire, requiring a complete dredge and repair this year. The Schultz Creek Channel Stabilization Project will reduce the risk of further repairs at the pond and will also help to keep stormwater infrastructure clear and flowing.

City of Flagstaff — Restoration work continues at Frances Short Pond

FLAGSTAFF — Restoration work at Frances Short Pond is ongoing and is scheduled to continue into the fall. This summer, the City removed over 5,000 cubic yards of ash and debris from post-wildfire flooding that had settled into Frances Short Pond. The City also repaired the retaining wall and improved drainage into the pond. This fall, the City is working to install electricity to deliver dissolved oxygen to the pond for fish. A valve will also be added to the pond to connect it with a future channel downstream. After this work is completed, the pond will be refilled and reopened to the public.

City of Flagstaff to begin Road Repair and Street Safety Program Phase II

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Streets Section will begin the second phase of the 2023 Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program on Sept. 11. This program will address a number of roads in the City that have deteriorated and are in need of repair. In addition to street repairs, damaged multimodal infrastructure, such as sidewalks will also be repaired. The project will begin with the crack sealing, patching, utility lowering and concrete work. Once this initial work is completed, milling and paving operations will begin. The program is anticipated to last eight weeks, depending on weather conditions.

Grandview Drive Reconstruction Project to begin Tuesday, Sept. 5

FLAGSTAFF — On Tuesday, Sept. 5 the City of Flagstaff and its contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, will begin the utility installation phase of the Grandview Drive Reconstruction Project as part of the Spruce Wash Flood Mitigation suite of projects. Starting on Tuesday, crews will begin setting up traffic control and mobilizing equipment into the work zone along Main Street, just south of Cedar Avenue. Crews will also begin removing the existing asphalt pavement in preparation for sewer infrastructure installation.

Construction will begin on Main Street, just south of Cedar Avenue. Lane shifts on Cedar Avenue will occur during the construction of the sewer main on Main Street south of Cedar but both east and west bound traffic on Cedar will be maintained at all times.

City of Flagstaff Neighborhood Sustainability Grants Open September 1-30th

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission is pleased to announce that the annual application period for the Neighborhood Sustainability Grants Program is open from September 1st – 30th. The program inspires projects that enhance sustainability and foster community partnerships.

Grant awards of up to $7,500 are available. Groups, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses with sustainability-related projects within Flagstaff city limits are invited to apply. Specifically, the Sustainability Commission is seeking community-centered projects in the categories of food, waste, climate action, resilience, transportation, building energy, and public health. The Flagstaff Sustainability Commission made up of seven Flagstaff residents, will review and determine awardees.

City of Flagstaff announces Call-to-Artists for Temporary 3D Artwork(s)

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) sculptures for a temporary outdoor exhibition May-October 2024.

The exhibition will feature five artworks, existing or newly created, that reflect and make visible aspects of Indigenous and other diverse cultural representation, including Black and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives through a myriad of ways and will prompt appreciation, conversation, and interaction.

City of Flagstaff announces Westbound University Drive from NAU Lane Closure

FLAGSTAFF — Welcome back NAU students, parents, faculty, and staff!

The City of Flagstaff is currently constructing the Beulah/University Realignment Project. This two-and half-year project began in April 2023 and will continue through fall 2025.

In the current phase of the project, the westbound lane of University Drive is closed, between Knoles Drive and the western driveway entrance to Target, due to extensive underground construction and roadway demolition.

City of Flagstaff lifts fire restrictions

LAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will lift current firerestrictions and return to Stage 0 fire restrictions on Tuesday,August 15 at 8:00 a.m.

Under Stage 0 fire restrictions,

Smoking and use of electronic cigarettes are prohibitedin all public places within the City of Flagstaff, includingCity Parks, Open Spaces, and the Flagstaff Urban TrailSystem (FUTS) at all times.
Residents and visitors should not throw cigarettes or matches outof a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of theroad and become a wildfire. All outdoor fires should beextinguished properly by drowning fires with plenty of water andstirring to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Charcoalshould be dunked in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoalon the ground and leave it.

City of Flagstaff announces utility relocation project at the intersection of Fourth Street and Cedar/Lockett

FLAGSTAFF — Unisource Energy will be conducting a utilityrelocation project at the intersection of Fourth Street andCedar/Lockett. The northbound lane of Fourth Street will be closedto all traffic at the north leg of the Cedar/Lockett intersection.Traffic accessing MEMS, Puente de Hozho and residencesbetween Linda Vista Drive and the closure must utilize detourroutes to access those locations from Linda Vista Drive. Thesouthbound lane of Fourth Street will remain open throughout theduration of the project allowing traffic to exit the schools andresidences of this area to the south. The project schedule is August10 through September 8.

City of Flagstaff provides Beulah/University Realignment Project Update

FLAGSTAFF — Starting Monday, August 14, UniversityAvenue will be closed to all traffic between Yale Street and theeastern driveway entrance to the Woodlands Village Apartments.Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists are asked to follow themarked signage to get to their destination (Map Below and Attached). This closure will allow crews to begin removing theexisting asphalt pavement along the section of University Avenuethat will connect to the future roundabout. Following roadwayexcavation, crews will begin utility installation.

Staging to begin at the ‘wedge’ for Spruce Wash Improvements flood mitigation projects

FLAGSTAFF — In preparation for the construction of the Spruce Wash Improvements flood mitigation projects, during the week of August 14 crews will begin clearing trees and vegetation in a portion of the area known as the “wedge”. The “wedge” is the City-owned, triangle-shaped parcel bound by N West St, E Linda Vista Dr and E Cedar Ave. Crews will only be removing trees in an area within the footprint of the future Wedge Detention Basin project.

Public Notice and Request for Comments – City of Flagstaff Housing Section Limited English Proficiency Language Assistance Plan – Complete Revision

FLAGSTAFF — This public notice is to inform City of Flagstaff Housing Section stakeholders of the complete revision of the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Implementation Plan. The plan is now called Limited English Proficiency Language Access Plan (LEP LAP) and is open for stakeholder input from the date of this notice through August 31, 2023.

The complete revision was undertaken by Housing Section staff at this time primarily to continue to ensure meaningful access for LEP persons to all Housing Section programs and activities.

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport enhances travel experience with new paid parking system and economy lot

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is pleased to announce the implementation of a new paid parking system, accompanied by the opening of the Economy Lot. The additional parking capacity aims to provide a smoother and more convenient experience for travelers, offering ample parking space and affordable rates. The opening of the additional Economy Lot more than doubles the airport’s parking.

Flagstaff seeking input on budgeting objectives that influence how the City spends taxpayer dollars. Online survey, meetings July 20, 27

The City of Flagstaff is seeking feedback from the public on the Objectives used in its Priority Based Budgeting (PBB) system. Public comments will be accepted through Aug. 4 via an online survey. The City also invites the public to attend two open houses where staff will be available to discuss the PBB Objectives and to answer questions. The dates, times, and locations are below:

Thursday July 20 from 4 – 6:30 p.m. at the Flagstaff Aquaplex (1702 N Fourth St,)
Thursday July 27 from 4 – 6:30 p.m. at the Murdoch Center (203 E Brannen Ave)

Coconino County and City of Flagstaff Successfully Test Siren System Enhancements

COCONINO COUNTY — Recently, Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff completed a successful test of the flash flooding siren system along Spruce Wash. This test ensured that critical system enhancements functioned properly prior to the 2023 monsoon season.

City of Flagstaff requests arguments for and against proposed election questions

FLAGSTAFF — Prior to the Nov. 7, 2023 election, each household with a registered voter will receive an informational pamphlet that includes arguments for and against proposed questions that have a local impact. The pamphlet is to include arguments for and against the proposed amendments to the Flagstaff City Charter and arguments for and against a potential Referendum No. 01-2023 relating to Ordinance No. 2023-11. In the event the referendum is unsuccessful for any reason at any time in qualifying for the ballot, the arguments regarding the referendum will not be included in the publicity pamphlet. Any person interested in submitting an argument is required to do so before 5 p.m., Arizona time on Aug. 9, 2023.

Coconino National Forest and City of Flagstaff to partner on Inner Basin water pipeline repair

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District and the City of Flagstaff will both soon begin repairing flood damage to the Inner Basin water pipeline and along nearby forest roads.

The pipeline, which was damaged due to post-wildfire flooding caused by the 2022 Pipeline Fire, has been losing millions of gallons of water each day.

The project – formally titled the Inner Basin Waterline Post Fire Repairs Road Reconstruction Project – is outlined in a decision memo that was recently signed into effect by Coconino NF Supervisor Aaron Mayville.

Discover Flagstaff — July 1-3 Flagstaff Art in the Park, Wheeler Park and other 4th of July events

Tuesday, July 4 Flag 4th Fest, Fort Tuthill County Park. Laser Light Show and family activities at Fort Tuthill County Park! Presented by City of Flagstaff. 5 p.m. Free. 928-679-8000 • flagstaff.az.gov
Tuesday, July 4 Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Parade, Downtown Flagstaff. Show off your red, white, and blue at the parade! 9 a.m. Free. 928-774-4505 • flagstaffchamber.com

City of Flagstaff announces Fourth of July closure

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 in honor of the Fourth of July holiday. City Hall offices will reopen Wednesday, July 5 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on the Fourth of July include:

East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N. Izabel St.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)

Recycling Update – Flagstaff City Council approves contract with Friedman Recycling

FLAGSTAFF — During the June 20 Council meeting, the Flagstaff City Council approved an agreement with Friedman Recycling Company for the equipment, transportation, processing, and recovery of recyclable materials. This Agreement supports new and enhanced operational and financial efficiencies in the hauling, processing, and recovery of the City’s recyclables and ensures that materials are recycled to their fullest extent possible.

Chip sealing to begin June 13 at various locations in Flagstaff

Beginning on June 13, the City of Flagstaff will begin sealing recently paved roadway segments at various locations throughout the community. The project will chip seal roadways including High Country Trail, Blackbird Roost, Riordan Road, Grandview Drive, Walgreens Street, McCracken Circle, Steve’s Blvd, Gemini Road, Latrobe Circle, La Costa Lane, La Quinta Way, and Harris Way and is anticipated to conclude by June 20, weather permitting.

The public should anticipate traffic impacts near these locations for the duration of the work, including temporary traffic restrictions, noise, and dust. The City will attempt to maintain access to businesses and residences.

City of Flagstaff seeking community input on Greater Observatory Mesa Trail Plan Draft

The City of Flagstaff is soliciting community review and feedback on the second draft of the Greater Observatory Mesa Trail Plan. The public participation opportunity includes a community meeting and a 40-day public comment period. Public participation opportunities will allow citizens to review the plan, learn how it may affect them, comment on the plan, and contribute to ongoing communication to resolve concerns. Details on how to participate are listed below. 

City of Flagstaff Updating Historic Preservation Grant and Application Materials

The City of Flagstaff, in consultation with the City’s Heritage Preservation Commission, has updated the guidelines for the Historic Signs & Facades Grant Program and Heritage Preservation application materials.

The new guidelines, which go into effect on June 6, 2023, establish a two-tier funding level system for projects that rehabilitate, restore, or preserve Flagstaff’s heritage sites, buildings, structures, and objects. Level 1 projects, which follow the grant programs existing guidelines, are eligible for up to $10,000 in matching funds. A new, Level 2 funding category allows projects to receive up to $20,000 in matching funds when the associated property is eligible for listing on the National Register and when the work being done meets the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Rehabilitation.

Evacuation zones created for the City of Flagstaff

The City of Flagstaff and its partners announce the creation of all-hazard evacuation zones within the Flagstaff City limits. These zones group each location in the City into easily recognizable areas to aid in messaging and communication during emergencies. The zones build upon the existing “Ready, Set, Go!” program and were developed with area partners including the Flagstaff Fire Department, Flagstaff Police Department, Coconino County Emergency Management, City of Flagstaff Emergency Management, and Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.

City of Flagstaff plans critical infrastructure upgrades to reduce city’s carbon footprint

The City of Flagstaff has contracted with energy and sustainable solutions provider NORESCO through a competitive process, to implement a new decarbonization, energy and water efficiency program through an energy performance contract (EPC). The $4.4 million project will provide $6.1 million in guaranteed savings and will enable critical infrastructure upgrades while accelerating progress on the city’s Climate Neutrality Plan.

Recycling drop-off bins reopened at the City of Flagstaff Recycling Transfer Facility

Effective Thursday, May 18, the recycling drop-off bins at the City of Flagstaff Recycling Transfer Facility (located at 1800 E Butler Ave) have been reopened. Drop off bins are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and will be closed on Saturday and Sunday until further staffing and operational plans can be developed and implemented. The bins will also be unavailable on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day.

City of Flagstaff Call-to-Artists for 3D Artwork at Murdoch Center-Southside Park

The City of Flagstaff is seeking applications from qualified artists to create 3D Artwork at a new park adjacent to the Southside’s historic Murdoch Center. The Murdoch Community Center is a Black Heritage site and is located in the heart of downtown Flagstaff within the Southside neighborhood, a racially diverse community. The building was constructed on the site of the Dunbar School, which was built in 1926 after the state legislature mandated racial segregation. Presently the Murdoch Community Center is an inter-generational and multicultural center. The proposed 3D art will be located at the new city park, which is adjacent to the Murdoch Center.

Discover Flagstaff — Discover spring events with Flagstaff 365

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

Flagstaff Recycling Update – Residential recycling collection to resume May 8, City takes control of Materials Recovery Facility

The collection of residential recycling carts will resume on Monday, May 8. Residents who normally receive recycling services on Monday should place their carts at the curb by 6 a.m. The City has secured a hauling service to transport the City’s recyclables to a Materials Recovery Facility in the Phoenix area so that collected materials can be properly recycled. This arrangement will be utilized by the City in the short term (several weeks) to allow recycling services to resume on May 8. Future updates will be provided as they become available on a long-term plan for recycling services.

City of Flagstaff Recycling Update – Residential recycling collection services remain paused

The Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and public recycling drop-off located at 1800 E Butler Ave remains closed, and while the City of Flagstaff continues to evaluate recycling alternatives, the pause on the collection of residential recycling carts will continue until further notice. Residents are asked to not put their recycling carts on the curb as they will not be collected. In the interim, alternative public recycling drop-off locations can be viewed in Google Maps here. However, the City encourages the public to hold their recyclables until further notice.

City of Flagstaff Residential recycling services paused April 28

 The City of Flagstaff has recently been made aware that the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), at 1800 E Butler Ave, has closed. The MRF is operated by Norton Environmental, Inc. under a contract with the City to process the City’s recyclables. Due to the abrupt nature of this closure, the City does not currently have immediate alternatives in place to manage City-collected recyclables and has decided to pause the collection of residential recycling carts on Friday, April 28 while alternative solutions are sought.

Flagstaff announces Brian Gall as new Airport Director

The City of Flagstaff is pleased to announce that Brian Gall has accepted the position of Airport Director for the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. Brian has 16 years of experience in municipal government, federal government, and consulting. Brian currently serves as the Airport Programs Manager at the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport and previously worked for the City of Flagstaff as a Development Engineering Project Manager.

City hosts Earth Day celebration and Drop Off event on April 22

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office invites you celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 22 by putting your waste in the right place at the Drop Off Event at the Flagstaff Police Department, and then join us for live music, food, workshops, and more at Bushmaster Park.

Update on Lower Schultz Creek and runoff flows

The City of Flagstaff continues to see high spring runoff flows with the recent warm temperatures. The Schultz Creek Detention Basins reached 100 percent capacity last night due to runoff. Water overtopping the basins will flow downstream towards the Rio de Flag, crossing the Schultz Creek culvert at Hwy 180 and potentially impacting the neighborhood of Coconino Estates. Please note that the Schultz Creek Detention Basins are fully functioning and were designed to allow for the safe overtopping of water while allowing for debris and sediment to settle within the basins. Additional mitigation for homes in Coconino Estates beyond what was recommended after the Pipeline Fire is not recommended at this time. 

Schultz Creek culvert blocked – potential for flooding

The City has recently learned that the Schultz Creek culvert that runs underneath Highway 180 is damaged and partially blocked. The impact of this blockage is unknown but could lead to higher levels of runoff entering downstream neighborhoods. This culvert is owned by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The City has been in contact with ADOT to make them aware of the blockage and ADOT is formulating a plan to address the issue. Predicted warm temperatures in the coming days will create the potential for rapid snowmelt in the Rio de Flag watershed draining from the San Francisco Peaks, raising the risk of flooding in the Coconino Estates neighborhood. Please note that the Schultz Creek Detention Basins are functioning as designed.

Flagstaff stormwater rate increase effective April 1

The City of Flagstaff has adopted a new stormwater rate, equivalent to a 12 percent annual increase, effective April 1, 2023. The current rate will increase from $3.74 per equivalent rate unit (ERU) to $4.19 per ERU, then increase by 12 percent annually through 2028. Funding from the rate increases will be used to create enhanced flood mitigation and flood risk reduction through improved infrastructure and maintenance services.

Lane closures planned on Beaver St and Butler Ave for fiber installation starting April 1

Beginning April 1, the City of Flagstaff and its contractor, Network Cabling Systems, will be installing fiber-optic line in the Southside area of Flagstaff between Aspen Ave and Butler Ave. There will be lane closures from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Beaver St and Butler Ave, as well as mobile flagging operations along Phoenix Ave and Mikes Pike St. Work is expected to be completed by May 1.

This project will enable better traffic signal management on Butler, higher internet speeds at the Visitor’s Center, and future expansion of low-cost, high-speed internet access for the Flagstaff community.

Construction of the Beulah/University Realignment project in Flagstaff to begin the week of April 3

The City of Flagstaff and its contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction,are set to begin Phase 1 of the Beulah/University Realignment Project the week of April 3, 2023.

Phase 1 of the project includes extending present-day Beulah Boulevard northward to present-day University Avenue, with a roundabout constructed at the new intersection. Present-day University Avenue will then be realigned, east of the new roundabout, to match up with University Drive. In addition to this work, Phase 1 includes stormwater infrastructure improvements and sewer and water pipe-upsizing along University Drive, between Knoles Drive and Milton Road, and within the Milton/University intersection.

Innovation grants awarded to four concrete production projects

A coalition of cities and counties in the Western United States has awarded $389k in funding to four projects that fight climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the production of concrete. The 4 Corners Carbon Coalition — a partnership of Boulder County, CO, Flagstaff, AZ, Salt Lake City, UT, and Santa Fe, NM — pools resources to provide grants to accelerate carbon dioxide removal (CDR) project deployment and business development in the Four Corners region.

City of Flagstaff facilities to open noon Thursday, March 2 due to inclement weather

Update: all City of Flagstaff administrative offices and non-essential facilities will now open at 12 p.m. (noon) Thursday, March 2. Opening of these facilities had originally been scheduled for 10 a.m. today but is being extended to 12 p.m. (noon) due to significant inclement weather and poor road conditions. Facilities will close at their normally scheduled times. This includes City recreation centers, libraries, and the Flagstaff Visitor Center.

City of Flagstaff — Temporary suspension of residential trash and recycling collection service

Due to poor road conditions and limited accessibility related to recent snowfall, the City of Flagstaff’s Solid Waste section has temporarily suspended residential trash and recycling collection services for Thursday, March 2. At this time, commercial trash and recycling containers continue to be serviced, where accessible.

The Solid Waste section will attempt to collect trash and recycling from both Thursday and Friday residential customers on Friday; however, some services may be postponed until Saturday. Service may be delayed for the next two to three days.

Residents are asked to wait to place their carts out for service until 6 a.m. the morning of service to allow for more efficient snow clearing operations. Please place residential carts in front of snow piles, on the curb, or at the end of cleared driveways to facilitate access. Carts placed on or behind snow piles will not be serviced due to accessibility issues.

Flagstaff facilities open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Feb. 23 due to inclement weather

All City of Flagstaff administrative offices and non-essential facilities will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 due to inclement weather and continued snowfall. This includes City recreation centers, libraries, and the Flagstaff Visitor Center.

Flagstaff facilities closed Wednesday Feb. 22 due to inclement weather

All City of Flagstaff administrative offices and non-essential facilities will be closed Wednesday, Feb. 22 due to predicted severe inclement weather.

The City’s Public Works division has deployed all available equipment and operators during this winter snow event, with operations running 24 hours a day.

Temporary suspension of Flagstaff residential trash and recycling collection service

Due to inclement weather conditions and limited accessibility, the City of Flagstaff’s Solid Waste section has temporarily suspended residential trash and recycling collection services as of Wednesday, Feb. 22. At this time, commercial trash and recycling containers continue to be serviced, where accessible.